[RawAlex]

I recently purchased a digital rebel, it is a lovely camera, and it will remind you all the reasons why you shouldn't buy a cheaper (non slr) digital:

1 - you can use Canon EF lenses.... my 300mm comes in handy now and again!

2 - it is an SLR, it is FAST, none of this digital delay stuff that gets you blurry pictures and crap results.

3 - It uses compact flash memory cards, so moving stuff around is easy.

4 - The picture quality is surpremely good! 6.3 megapixels give syou a 3000 X 2400 ish picture which can be printed directly as an 8 X 10 images without any expansion or pixel stretching. Images are more than good enough for most magazines.

5 - Real pro controls. You shoot like a real SLR. Includes an ISO setting for simulating faster or slower film (100 to 1600 iso, more than enough stops to make up for lower light).

6 - nice built in flash, plus a real hotshoe that can really be used with real flashes!

7 - with the additional battery holder / grip on the bottom, you get space for two batteries, plus extra shutter and accessories controls where you hand is naturally when shooting vertical. Easier operation.

Basic camera and lens is about $1000 US, add the battery holder, UV filter, and a few other simple toys and you are well on your way for less than $1500. This is a camera you won't have to replace in 6 months because it isn't good enough - the insides of this camera are basically all from the more expesive 10D. It's a keeper!

Alex